Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City star Rayan Cherki, as per TEAMtalk.
Although Dominik Szoboszlai helped the Reds win the Premier League title while playing as a creative midfielder during the 2024/25 campaign, they decided to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a huge fee last year.
Despite struggling to find his feet at Anfield thus far, the German has continued to feature regularly in the No. 10 position. On the other hand, Szoboszlai has played in different areas, including at right-back and in a box-to-box role.
In six appearances across all competitions, Wirtz has registered a solitary assist this season. As a result, it appears Liverpool have started exploring options to sign a new CAM.
Now, TEAMtalk claim that the Merseyside club are interested in signing Cherki and could make a formal approach if he becomes available next year.
After moving to the Etihad Stadium from Olympique Lyonnais, the Frenchman has shown glimpses of his qualities in the Premier League in recent times.
However, speculation surrounding his future has started emerging following the Citizens being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Battle
The report state that before signing Wirtz this summer, Liverpool were interested in Cherki, but he ultimately decided to join Enzo Maresca’s side. However, they haven’t given up hope of purchasing him.
Apart from Liverpool, Arsenal were also interested in Cherki this summer and are prepared to revive their interest if he becomes available in January or next summer. Moreover, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also in this race.
Cherki is valued at around £77m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2030. Therefore, Man City are likely to demand a huge money to let him leave.
The former Lyon star is a creative midfielder by trait but is also comfortable on the right flank. Having proven his worth in club football, he has secured his place in France’s star-studded squad.
Arsenal currently have Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as specialist CAM options, while Max Dowman can provide cover in this position if needed. So, the North London club don’t need a new No.10 unless anyone leaves.
